Modelling impacts of development on water resources in the Huai Sai Bat sub-basin in north-eastern Thailand with a participatory approach

Abstract

Little is done to connect hydrological modelling with stakeholder participation. This study incorporates agricultural development and climatic changes within the Water Evaluation and Planning hydrological model. This is done with a participatory approach involving four scenario workshops, 400 household surveys and two focus group discussions in the period of 2010–2012 for the ungauged Huai Sai Bat sub-basin as a case study in the Mekong region. The modelling results indicate future increased streamflow during the wet (monsoon) season in response to shifts in the regional climate. Modelled land-use and management changes brought about large unmet water demands, primarily in the dry season.

Keywords:

• Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model
• water balance
• participatory modelling
• water management
• north-eastern Thailand
• climate change
• collective decision making

Acknowledgements

The work highlighted in this article is part of the Northeast Thailand Local Study under the Exploring Mekong Region Futures project. This work was supported by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation under Grant Australian’s AusAid for Development Alliance. The authors owe a great deal of gratitude to: colleagues and core partners from Khon Kaen University, particularly Assistant Professor Dr Yanyong Inmoung, Dr Uraiwan Inmoung, and Dr Phatcharee Srikuta, DWR Region 4, and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus; all members of the Kong-Chi-Mun River Basin Committees and the HSB sub-basin committees who actively contributed to the project; and all concerned agencies for allowing us to use their data. Director Prasit Warnset of DWR Region 4 is particularly acknowledged for his valuable advice and strong support of our aspiration to contribute to and improve the ongoing planning process for sustainable development in north-east Thailand throughout the entire study period. Our colleagues from SEI in Asia are acknowledged for their valuable support. The preparation of this publication was partially funded by the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.